Newcastle
Report: Results elsewhere mean Newcastle could miss out on European football
Newcastle United are currently out of the running for a European spot due to a change in the UEFA coefficient rankings.
The changes come following disappointing results for English teams in The UEFA Champions League and Europa League this week.
Just one English team won their first leg tie this weekend, with Aston Villa picking up a 2-1 win against LOSC Lille at Villa Park.
The pressure is on for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and his side as they fight with the likes of West Ham, Manchester United, Brighton and Chelsea for a place in Europe’s top competitions.
England fall to third in the race for extra places
As a result of the draws for Manchester City and Arsenal coupled up with the defeats for Liverpool and West Ham, England have been overtaken by Germany in the race for extra UCL places.
Italy are top of the table with a coefficient score of 18.428. Germany; now second, are on 16.785.
England are a close third however with 16.750, and positive results in the second legs would mean England take their places back.
The battle is now on for the final spot as it looks as if Italy are just about there and will achieve an extra UCL spot.
Eighth won’t be enough for Newcastle as it stands
If the coefficient remains as it is, then the top four teams will play Champions League football next season, fifth and sixth will get Europa League and seventh will play in the Conference League.
In the position Newcastle are in at the moment, they cannot qualify for Europe so there is quite a steep hill to climb for Howe now.
The run in seems much more important for Newcastle now and there can be no mistakes made as we try to secure a second consecutive season in Europe.
